CARIBOU Junior 20" Fat Tire Bike By Genesis

Description

Labelled a 20” the Caribou Jnr actually utilises a 19” trials rim and tyre combo, the large volume 2.5” Maxxis Creepy Crawler tyres blowing up to a similar outer diameter as a conventional 20” wheel/tyre combo (hence 20”). Seeing as they’re a trials tyre, the Creepy Crawlers deliver big time in the grip department, their soft 42a rubber compound providing grip in all manner of situations. In fact, with the wide-range 1x7sp gearing and grippy tyres, it should be almost possible to ride up walls!

We’ve sweated all the details from a junior-sized perspective - light action, easy-function Revoshift (“Twist Shift”) shifter, proportionally sized crankarms and reach-adjust brake levers. 4.0” tyres would’ve been cool but we’d not want to subject the ultra-wide q-factors that come with the associated cranks to a child still in growing. For this reason the Caribou Jnr run a standard 68mm BB shell, conventional crankarm q-factor and manageable 2.5” tyres.

1. Inseam? Measure your child's inseam from crotch to floor, barefoot and while standing. Use a hardcover book to simulate a bike seat- very gently press upward so that soft tissue is accounted for- while measuring. Check the bike's specifications of minimum seat height. If your inseam measurement is equal or greater than the minimum seat height, the bike will be a good fit. If there is a large surplus of inseam relative to minimum seat height, consider a larger bike.

2. Weight? A child aged 2-3 should outweigh their balance bike by a minimum factor of three. For example, if child weighs 33 lbs, then maximum bike weight should be 11 pounds. Conversely, a bike weighing 9 pounds is intended for a rider weighing at least 27 pounds. Some discretion can be used for kids who are very athletic and adventurous, and an extra pound of bike is easily managed. For timid, shy types a slightly lighter bike will be more successful.

Q: Is a brake really necessary?

A: Yes and No. This is a common question because there are bikes with brakes and there are bikes without brakes. It's a matter of personal preference, but we like to point out that a bike with brakes is safer, especially when children ride with bare feet (it happens) and when riding areas are steeply inclined. Additionally, it's preferred to use this experience as an opportunity to introduce children to the advanced motor skills necessary for successful bike riding in the future. In love with a bike that doesn't have brakes? If other features or components of the bike are superior, buy it with confidence, but please avoid steep grades, always wear rubber shoes, and never leave children unsupervised, especially on sidewalks that are populated with driveways.

Q: What about Steering Limiters? Do we need them?

A: No. Steering limitation is not considered to be a necessary safety feature. Rather, it is something that the very first balance bikes of the 1990s had by necessity- the construction of the bike required it. This deficiency was marketed as a "safety feature" for obvious reasons and newer brands followed the emotional marketing gimmick of "jack-knife accident prevention". If it was so much safer, all adult bikes would also have limited steering, but this is not the case. Limited steering poses other risks such as crashes caused by panic steering and an impalement hazard in the event of a fall (handlebar end is more likely to be pointing up when bike falls over, on a bike with steering limitation). That is why balance bikes have big round ends on the hand grips- to minimize the risk of chest impalement in the event of a fall.

Q: Should I be looking for the lightest bike possible?

A: No. It's more important to consider the weight of the first pedal bike which will be used after the balance bike is mastered. A typical pedal bike with 16" wheels will weigh anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds or more. For example, the transition from an 11 pound balance bike to an 18 pound pedal bike is reasonable, but transitioning from a 6 pound balance bike to an 18 pound pedal bike is tripling the bike weight and most children will find this weight difference too much for them to manage successfully. Also consider that a bike that is too light is most likely not safety tested per rigorous bicycle industry protocol. Rather, is is very lightly tested for toy industry protocol only.

Q: How long will my child use their balance bike?

A: This varies for every child and depends on a few factors, primarily frequency and duration of riding practice time. If engaged in riding only 1-2 times a week for 6-8 months out of the year, children will take a lot longer to become ready for a pedal bike, usually somewhere between 18-24 months. On the other hand, a child who is riding 4-5 times a week on a regular basis will only need 6-12 months to move on to a pedal bike. In any event, rest assured that a child's balance bike will continue to be a frequent go-to favorite activity, long after the pedaling begins.

Q: Does my child need a helmet?

A: Yes. However, please do not use helmets as a vaccination against falls, as a guaranteed preventer of injuries or as a catch-all means of enhanced safety. True safety while cycling depends upon teaching children safe riding habits, developing advanced riding skills, and always being alert and aware of what is going on nearby. A skilled rider can more safely ride a poor quality bike without a helmet, than an unskilled rider on the very best bike with a helmet. Definitely buy that helmet and enforce it's use, but please understand that safety features and helmets do not replace a parent's obligation to actively teach and supervise their little rider at all times.

Returns Policy: Only new, un-used products may be returned within thirty (30) days of delivery for a full refund of the cost of the goods. Except in cases of a warranty claim or manufacturing defect, return shipping cost is the responsibility of the buyer, whether returning or exchanging. Please refrain from unpacking and/or assembling if there is possibility of return for personal reasons. We do accept returns of very lightly used bikes, but all returns must be in exact condition and packaging in which they were received, with proper use of protection materials originally provided. At our discretion, returned products exhibiting outdoor use or minor cosmetic defects will be assessed a restocking fee of not less than 20%.

Assembly: Our bikes have been engineered to safely perform when correctly assembled by a skilled bicycle technician in a bicycle shop. If buyer/recipient's technical skill is not sufficient to successfully complete the assembly, please take your balance bike to a local bike shop for professional assembly. The cost of this service is not included in the purchase of our bikes. Most parents successfully assemble bikes in 5-10 minutes.

White Glove Bike Prep: WeeBikeShop performs a 10-point prep service on every bike that is shipped. This includes tuning of brake arms, alignment of brake pads, adjusting spokes of rear wheel, and inflation of tires. For most balance bikes, final assembly by recipient usually consists of attaching front wheel with 14 or 15mm wrench, and inserting/fastening handlebars using 5mm or 6mm allen wrench. Basic assembly tools are provided with every bike.

Break-in Period: The moving parts of our balance bikes have been lubricated and professionally set at the factory. The wheels and headset are adjusted such that a certain amount of “break-in” is necessary for optimal performance. Our bikes are sometimes stored in an unheated warehouse and this causes lubricants to harden temporarily. An initial break-in period of 10 hours (riding time) will loosen all lubrication, and bearings will perform exactly as required. Early stiffness of wheels or other moving parts is not considered to be a defect.

Tolerances: Production of 12" and 14” bicycle wheels is extremely difficult due to small size. For this reason, it is not possible to produce perfectly round and true balance bike wheels. For front (non-braking) wheels, a very small amount of lateral dance is acceptable and not considered to be a defect. WeeBikeShop inspects and tunes the rear wheel of all bikes with a rear v-brake (if so equipped), to within +/- 0,5mm tolerance for optimal braking performance.

Legal Disclaimer: By purchasing this product, buyer/recipient/user acknowledges and agrees that cycling is an inherently dangerous sport, and assumes all risk and responsibility for any and all consequences of accidental mishaps, including injury and death. Please supervise children at all times while using this product. Children should always wear an ANSI approved helmet and wear rubber soled shoes. Avoid steeply inclined areas where excessive speed may result. Ride only in places where motor vehicles are not allowed. (sidewalks, parks, bike paths) Professional assembly, periodic service and maintenance is the responsibility of the buyer/recipient. Inspect tires, brakes and fasteners before every ride. Repair/replacement of parts exhibiting excessive wear is the buyers/recipient's responsibility.